Cat allergy in humans is an allergic reaction to cat glycoprotein Fel d 1 secreted by the cat's sebaceous glands. Fel d 1 is mostly found in the cat's skin and saliva. An allergy can refer to several kinds of immune reactions including Type I hypersensitivity in which a persons body is hypersensitised and develops IgE type antibodies to typical proteins. ... ‹ The template below has been proposed for deletion. ... The protein Fel d 1, produced largely by the cats saliva and sebaceous glands, is the primary allergen present on cats. ... The sebaceous glands are glands found in the skin of mammals. ...

An allergic reaction is a histamine reaction that is usually characterized by coughing, wheezing, chest tightening, itching, rash, watering eyes, sneezing and similar symptoms. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Lessening reactions

Allergic reaction to cats can be lessened most successfully by minimizing exposure to the animals. If living with a cat is unavoidable, frequent handwashing and avoiding touching eyes or other sensitive areas is advisable. Minimizing upholstery, rugs and draperies in which the allergen can accumulate in the home is another strategy. Barring the cat from certain rooms (in particular the bedroom or other rooms where much time is spent) or limiting it to the outdoors is also partially successful. Finally, some allergy sufferers find relief in periodic injection therapy designed to stimulate the body's natural immune responses to the cat allergen. Although this is not usually 100% successful, it can reduce reactions to tolerable levels for many individuals.

Hypoallergenic cats

A hypoallergenic cat is a cat which does not provoke an allergic reaction in humans. There are claims, but no scientific evidence, that the Siberian breed is naturally hypoallergenic. Similarly, cat breeds such as the Sphinx, Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, which lack some of the normal layers of cat fur, are generally held by mild allergy sufferers to be significantly less likely than other breeds to provoke an allergic reaction. ‹ The template below has been proposed for deletion. ... An allergy can refer to several kinds of immune reactions including Type I hypersensitivity in which a persons body is hypersensitised and develops IgE type antibodies to typical proteins. ... The Siberian is a recognized breed of cat. ... Two Sphynx cats in a basket. ... The Devon Rex is a relatively new breed of cat with a sparse, curly, very soft coat similar to that of the Cornish Rex. ... A Cornish Rex is a breed of domestic cat, with no hair except for down. ...

In 2006 the Allerca company announced the successful breeding of a line of hypoallergenic cats. The Fel d 1 protein is still present in these cats, but exists in a different form that does not provoke an allergic response. Allerca has promised to publish scientific data in 2007. They are currently accepting orders for hypoallergenic kittens at a price of USD$3,950 plus a 'processing and transportation fee' of USD $995. [1] Another company, Felix Pets, also claims to be developing a breed of hypoallergenic cat. Allerca is a San Diego-based biotechnology company which claims to have bred hypoallergenic cats through a selective breeding process. ... Look up hypoallergenic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

External links

• Allergen-free cats – a breed apart? - article from New Scientist.